Windsor Tomcats

Dear Tomcats,

Congratulations to all of you on another fine hockey season. We were able to pull off this year and enjoy it despite the hiccups along the way and we were still able to have a hockey season that our organization values and strives to maintain. So thanks again to all of you for making the Windsor Tomcats who we are – a family we can all be proud to be a part of.

Although the season has ended, our traditions continue. The summer weather always welcomes the likes of golfers. Each year we host several golf outings to reunite during the off season. This year is no different. We welcome and invite you to participate in the Turks, ‘Kapusta Open’, June 4th, at Ambassador Golf Course. This event is a four man scramble, the cost is $140. (Money well spent), as you get golf at a very nice course, dinner at the Kapusta Kow Palace and a prize.

Stevo has his Kobassa Open on July 14, 2022. 36 spots paid for, only 4 spots remain.

Chevy organizes the Cougar Bush, August 22-23,24, further details on the Cougar Bush Tour will be provided when they become available.

The Pantelon de Niege, organized by yours truly, is on Saturday, June 18 and the venue is Sutton Creek. It is “the” Windsor Tomcat Golf Tournament.

Pantelon de Niege Jug – Information

– Saturday June 18, 2022, 10 a.m. rain or shine.- 36 spots booked and there are 29 confirmed golfers at this very moment.

– Individual stroke play

– Pay for golf when you get there and food after is your cost. Your golf includes a cart

– Trophy presentation will be after golf at Sutton Creek (either on the patio or inside)

– Foursomes to be determined, one week prior to the event

– Prizes closet to pin and closest to rope (drive). We will gladly except any prize that you wish to provide.

– Last years Champion: The Big Easy.

If you are listed below, you are confirmed to play, (7 spots still can be filled). If you are listed below and you are NOT SUPPOSE to be on the list, then please get a hold of Snowpants. My number is 226-724-2505.

Snowpants, Tony Adamic, Stevo, Red Squirrel, Bagz, May Day, Hurricane, The Rake, Big Easy, Tonto, La Bamba, Sunny, Soupy, Killer, Junior, Shack, Animal, Bender, Big Ned, The Turk, Bubbles, Big Poppa, Skuz, Matador, Tiny, Tunzie, Chevy, Hatchie, Schooley

Tomcats Forever !
Snowpants

The Tomcats finished the season on Saturday with our annual tournament. Historically, the tournament is played the last day of February. However, because of COVID restrictions, and a late start to the Winter/Spring season segment, Tomcat moved the tournament until April and made it the season closing event. Since we did not play the 2020-2021 season, it had been 770 days between Tomcat Tournaments!

Despite the tournament being a huge success, it was not without last minute turmoil. In the days leading up until this past Saturday, COVID reared it’s ugly head and caused several committed players to drop. Thanks to Scuz, Jingles, LaBamba and Napoleon (Son of Junior) for being last minute replacements. Depth is a great thing.

The teams:

Captains came through with some phenomenal team names and logos on T-shirts. Big thanks to Hollywood for arranging all the swag creation for the teams and everyone involved. We all love the Ukraine inspired shirt given to all Tomcats and used in the team photo.

As expected, games began shortly after 8:30am and the speed of play was faster than typical Tuesdays. Everyone always adds a little extra come tournament time.

In the end, Bullwinkle’s Bombers were too much for the Lizard Kings and they were able to drink from Stanley’s Cup.

All goalies played well with many amazing saves worthy of ESPN’s Top 10 highlights. Scuz showed no rust despite not playing for more than a year and getting the call up one day before.

However, Bender had the best day, and was named MVP for helping his team to victory.

MayDay won the Finner Award for his efforts to raise money for Ukraine. We need more people willing to step up like that.

Most Gentleman award was given to the guy who could be on the cover of each and every Gentlemen’s Quarterly (GQ), Beep. The guys is always showing true sportsmanship.

The day would not have been possible without great game officiating from Doc and Hollywood. It is a thankless job but we thank them nonetheless.

Soupy’s wife, Serta, stopped by to take the team photo…she is a keeper Soupy!

Great seeing a family photo from tournament day…Soupy, Serta and the future stars of Tomcat Nation:

And speaking of Soupy, big thanks to him and Kamikaze (who had to miss due to COVID) for planning the tournament.

Jingles handled pizza for the boys after so we could celebrate one final time before the summer hiatus. Thanks Jingles!

In the end, 2021-2022 was a challenge but the Tomcats made it happen after a missed year. We all needed this season, and we all need the tournament. Hopefully 2022-2023 is totally back to normal.

Keep an eye out for updates on summer events. There will be a board meeting in early May and any Tomcat can attend to have input. There are the Kapusta and Pantelone de Neige golf tournaments, and other events to be shared later.

Thanks to all Tomcats for being Tomcats. This is a great organization of great guys and great friends. Tomcats Forever!

E a

By Harry Ballsonue, (Retired Tomcat Blog Writer)

According to the Farmers’ Almanac, the weather folklore stems from ancestral beliefs in balance, meaning if the weather at the start of March was bad (roaring, like a roaring lion), the month should end with good weather (gentle, like a lamb)

The Weather seems to be the same all month…so what does the Farmers Almanac know, Tomcats know hockey. Some good hockey played last night with a mini.

Lizard Lions Lizard, Chico, Soupy, Killer, Stevo, Bender, Sparky and Jinges.

Tonto Tigers Tonto, Hurricane, Kamikaze, Cribzie, Falcon, Shack, Rocky and Chevy

Matador Mustangs. Matador, May Day, Animal, Kamikaze., Sunny, Snowpants, Bullwinkle and 10Carat

Matador and Hurricane both brought a 24, put her there boys.

Special thanks to Sparky for getting rid of the empties. And thanks to those that helped with the empties and carrying them from the Tomcat room, Cribzie, Bender, Sunny, Matador, Stevo and of course Sparkilicious.

April 5 is next week

Last night of regular Tuesday night hockey is next week, Rocky will send out an email, please respond letting Rocky know if you are playing or not

Tomcat Hockey Tournament Saturday April 9, 2022 (There is NO hockey after the tournament)

Kamikaze would like everyone to know that the tournament costs $20 to play, ( you get booze on stage and a cool Tomcat T-shirt ). The tee shirt for the full Team Tomcat shirt is very cool. Pizza is $10 and Jingles will be there to collect money for the pizza. Tournament Captains collect the $20 from each player and then pay Rocky. It is up to each Captain if they ask for money from you for the team tee shirt. It is rare that any Captain asks for money for the team shirt.

Tomcat Golf – The Pantelon de Niege Cup

Snowpants, the minster of golf, advises all Tomcats that the tournament will be held this year on Saturday June 18,2022 If you wish to play, you MUST GET A HOLD OF SNOWPANTS in an email. If you know his texting machine number you can text him. His email is vferranti13@gmail.com. More details to follow as they become available…but mark June 18 off and get a hold of Snowpants. It is Fathers day weekend, so you should be a able to get a pass to play on that Saturday.

Cougar Bush Tour

The Cougar Bush tour will be held on August 22,23,24, three different courses in the Essex Region….(one round in Chatham Kent) save the date, more information to come from the President of the tour, Chevy. If you have any questions, text Chevy directly. It is a fun three days of golf and merriment. There are prizes handed out and a skins game.

The Tomcat Hockey tournament to be held on April 9, 2022 is a fun tournament and it should be treated as such. No NHL scouts will be on stage watching. Full team picture, some exercise, some laughs, pizza and a few beers after, that is what it is all about. PLEASE keep this in mind.

When you are checking out the picture of Snowpants and thinking to yourself, that is one cool dude, do you think I could put my Harry Ballsonue.

It was a two-team night but that is not the two I speak of. Do you realize their are only two more Tuesday night hockey before the year-end tournament? Yes folks, we are down to the final 3 days of hockey until the fall. Will the next 2 Tuesday’s draw enough for mini tournaments? Time will tell.

Hopefully by now, all Tomcats taking part in the April 9th tournament have heard from their captains, provided their shirt size and have their $20 ready to give to their captain the morning of the tournament. Another $10 will be required for pizza and we are working with Jingles to arrange for that and who will collect on that day. So in short, here is what is needed by each tournament participant:

– Arrive at 8am that Saturday. First game kicks off precisely at 8:30am

– Give $20 to your captain upon arrival

– collect your team shirt and coloured Tomcat shirt (red, green, yellow) if required.

– Give $10 for pizza (designated person to be named)

– Get ready for full day of fun.

Hockey Last Night:

Tunzie’s Teasers – 10Carat, Sunny, Shack, Stevo, Tunzie, Sparky and Chevy

Beep’s Ballers – The Falcon, Lizard, Hurricane, Beep, Rocky, Killer and Chico

The first game was a little lopsided with the Ballers rolling to a 10-6 victory but the Teasers found their game in the second and ended up winning 6-5.

Falcon and 10Carat were able to get some reps in before the tournament. The Tomcats will make sure Chico and Bender get time in between the pipes over the next 2 weeks so all tournament goalies are fresh and ready to go come April 9th.

Kapusta Open:

Time to plan your foursome for the return of the Kapusta Open. Great way to support the local Ukrainian hall and community. See the Turk for more details. The Tomcats always make a great showing at this event. See details here:

More support for Ukraine:

With many fine Tomcats being of Ukraine descent, including Hollywood, Stevo, MayDay, The Turk, Bundura, Sparky, etc., the Tomcats should continue to show support for their homeland as they battle the Russian aggression. Here is a link to a site where you can order cool swag that shows your support and helps raise money to help our Ukrainian friends and families. Check it out and place your order:

https://www.saintjavelin.com/

Empties:

Sparky is looking for a few good Tomcats to show up early next week to load empties from the Tomcat room into his truck. “The room is overflowing and we need to clear it out,” said Sparky. Let Rocky know who can be their early next Tuesday to help.

Shoutouts:

While many Tomcats ignored the needs, Tonto and Shack stepped up and filled the cooler with beer and ice. Two Tomcats doing what is needed without being asked. Ask yourself…do you step up each week and help assist the Tomcats? It is the Tomcat thing to do. Be a true Tomcat like Tonto and Shack.

Doc’s House Warming:

April 2, 2022, 8pm. 6675 Concession 10. All tomcats invited. Let Doc know if you plan to make an appearance. Maybe more Tomcat photos like these can be captured at the event:

By Harry Ballsonue (retired Tomcat Blog Writer)

“I am very excited about my team…” Bullwinkle

“This was a fun process, it is all new to me…” Lizard

“Man oh man, pressure picking, not sure how the NHL Manager does it…” Shack

“I had a good scouting staff that have been watching the players for years…” Big Ned

What a fun night of hockey. Beep made the teams and they were awesome. Both close games, with the Lizard Leopards taking the first game 5-3 with an open net goal. Second game was 4-3 Leopards. “No complaints, guys had lots of fun out there today and between games,” stated Sparky.

Both goalies, Bender and Chico were outstanding. In the second game, shots were 76 to 11 for the Leopards.

Tuesday Night Teams:

Lizard Leopards: Bullwinkle, Lizard, Chevy, Sparky, Kamikaze, Big Ned, Animal and Bender in net.

Beep Bobcats: Tonto, Beep, Snowpants, Shack, Rake, Stevo, Junior and Chico in net.

DRAFT TEAMS:

The four Captains have made their selections and are ready to play.

Big Ned; Junior, Stevo, Tweety Bird, Chevy, Hatchie, Cribzie and Chico in between the pipes

Shack: Matador, Lovie, Animal, Killer, Sunny, May Day and 10 Carat in between the pipes

Bullwinkle: Sheep Dog, Snowpants, Hurricane, Soupy, Kramden, the Eagle, and Bender in between the pipes

Lizard: Schooley, Beep, Skippy, Kamikaze, Tonto, Big Easy, Rocky and the Falcon in between the pipes.

Beer

Kudo’s to Snowpants and Lizard for brining beer. Snowpants could have skipped his turn but brought it in and Lizard who was not around for months, brought one, ‘just because’….both bought Land Shark, “Fins up boys…”!

STEVO NOT IMPRESSED

Stevo had been tasked with running the organization last few weeks. Last week, with the Skippy Yellow Nuclear Submarines wearing the yellow Ukraine shirts, Stevo took most of the shirts home. (He knows how many…he also knows how many players played on Skippy’s team) when he got to the Kapusta Kow Palace on Tuesday March 8, one of the shirts that had been worn the week before and had not been turned into him, was on the floor in the Tomcat Room. It was turned inside out. Who ever wore that shirt, did not have the common decency to take shirt home and wash it, they just left it in the Tomcat room. Stevo was not impressed. “I really don’t know what to say, I am dumbfounded and saddened,” Stevo said.

GOLF

June 4 is the Kapusta Open, The Turk organizes, watch for updates re tournament

June some time, Is the Windsor Tomcat Golf Tournament, Snowpants has not set the date for the Pantelon de Niege Cup tournament.

March Break Next week

Rocky will be asking you in an email, if you can make it next week, please respond to his email, it is very important. Sparky has been assigned the task of being in charge next week.

While you are checking out the tournament teams, do you think I could put my Harry Ballsonue

Is it already March Madness season? Was this a COVID Tomcat Season first – that being a mini tournament? Several attending players looked surprised to discover due to an abundance of players Management decided a mini tournament was in order.

New Tomcat member the Animal remarked: ‘This is very exciting; I’ve never seen this many fans or players; and getting a chance to play in a tournament is surreal.

Considering a few mere days ago Rocky was emailing/calling/texting everyone to confirm attendance; players were very surprised at the large player turnout.

Was it due to COVID rules loosening? Did the planets align? Whatever the reason a mini was played and several ‘lessons’ were learned; such as NOT letting Skippy pick a team (Skippy’s Yellow Submarines) went 1-2.

Skippy however disagreed: ‘On paper I think we looked really good. I think I got a bunch of confirmed/reliable goal scorers; but it just seems we weren’t able to jell’. I’m also a little disappointed we didn’t do better; considering we had Ukraine shirts on’.

I was able to track down Sparky and asked his thoughts on Skippy’s draft picks. Sparky’s remark: ‘Well you can tell he didn’t go for speed; and maybe he did pick by hair length’.

A ‘March Mini’ was so special each team had their photos taken; akin to tournament time – which coincidentally kicks off this coming Tuesday with the much anticipated draft pick’. Are you going to be there awaiting to see whom goes 1st overall? Let Rocky know!

Maybe it was due to the large turnout; or pent up excitement; but one thing that otherwise put a damper on a great ‘mini’ was the time delays. Shenanigans or the obvious goalie medical situation aside; things wrapped up by 9PM – delaying the very sought after ’comradery’/beverage consumption and cheering/jeering on stage afterwards.

When it did all end; the Hurricane HeatSeekers and MayDay Missles shared bragging rights to bagging the first ‘mini tournament’ win. The victory was particularly sweet for the HeatSeekers, who lost their Captain to an undisclosed injury. Tomcat medical staff indicate the Willy veteran Hurricane is expected to make a full recovery and further stated he simply needed some ‘rest’.

While your thinking you could have come up with better ‘war’ themed team names; I noticed your HANDZONMECAC.

Yurri

March 3, 2022

By Nick Lelyk

As you read in the blog, a total of $660.00 was raised at hockey on March 1, 2022. I received further donations totaling of $200.00 raising our total to $860.00 dollars.

WHAT IS NASHI – CHECK OUT THEIR WEB SITE:

https://nashi.ca/index.htm

NASHI is an entirely volunteer non-profit organization who is addressing the issue of human trafficking locally and globally. We are a Canadian Registered Charity (#853912194RR0001). NASHI has 2 primary goals. The first is to educate people about human trafficking by providing forums and workshops nationally and internationally. The second goal was the building of a safehouse for at risk young girls in Ukraine. The Maple Leaf House is a live-in facility that provides shelter, food and a home environment for up to 20 girls. Our commitment is to educate these girls until they can become productive members of their society.

NASHI’S MOTTO IS: DO SOMETHING

I called NASHI yesterday and spoke to a lady. Her name was Savelia Cournacki in Saskatoon. She tells me their organization is in contact with their people in Ukraine everyday and at this time, they are trying to keep the girls safe and get them out of the country if necessary. They are a 100% volunteer organization so all money raised is forwarded. There is nobody on a payroll. NASHI is located in Saskatoon.

I can’t help but shake my head at the destruction the Russians are inflicting over there. 

On a bright note, when I told her the money was coming from the Windsor Tomcats, she asked, “Windsor”? She told me she had a relative who was the priest at the Orthodox church in Windsor in the 1950’s. I told her we have been playing at the very same church since 1989. After speaking to her, I knew I found the best place to donate the money we raised.

Anyway, thank you again for being so generous. For those still wanting to donate ,you can ether e-transfer NASHI directly at admin@nashi.ca or directly to me at nicklelyk@sympatico.caand I will send them any other money raised.

Tomcats forever!

By Harry Ballsonue (Retired Tomcat Blog Writer)

In order to support Ukraine, fellow Ukrainian May Day, organized a fund drive, asking anyone who could give anything, to donate and he would give the money to the Windsor President of the Ukrainian National Organization. Support came, and donations were givien. God Bless the Tomcats.

May Day not only organized the donation to Ukraine he also brought two cases of OV, “It is the beer of Belle River and Ukrainians everywhere” a Proud May Day stated. May Day ended up collecting $660.

The Hall that the Tomcats play in, is Ukrainian. Thus the name, the Kapusta Kow Palace.

Tomcats had their first mini in a long, long, long, long time. The May Day Missiles and the Hurricane Heat Seekers ended up tying.

TEAMS:

Skippy Yellow Atomic Submarines Hatchie, Jingles, Stevo, Sparky, Chevy, Skippy and Chico in net

May Day Missiles Animal, Killer, Tonto, Tunzie, Bullwinkle, May Day and Bender in between the pipes

Hurricane Heat Seekers Soupy, Rake, Matador, Kamikaze, Snowpants, Hurricane and Shack protecting the twine.

TOMCAT TOURNAMENT

Draft is ready to go, all four captains are poised and ready to pick their squads,

KAPUSTA OPEN

Little is known at this time, but the Date is June 4, 2022. It is a four man scramble and a shot gun start. Mark it in you calendar, as it is a tournament you want to play in.

ROCKY WILL SEND AN EMAIL

If you know you can play, let Rocky know, If you know, you can’t play, let Rocky know.

While you are thinking to yourself, does Kapusta mean Cabbage, do you think I could put my Harry Ballsonue.

By Harry Ballsonue

“Yeah we’re running a little bit hot tonight….. I can barley see the road from the heat coming off it ….reach down between my legs ….ease the seat back…”

David Lee Roth or Animal of the Lightening ?

Bullwinkle Coyotes Bullwinkle, Stevo, Hurricane, The Rake, Matador, Sparky, Chevy and 10Carat in net

Kamikaze Lighting Kamikaze, Beep, Rocky, May Day, Animal, Chico, Kramden, Snowpants and Bender in net

Just like in the NHL, if the Lightening are going to play the Coyotes, you probably know the outcome. A powerful Kamikaze Lightening team steam rolled over the Bullwinkle Coyotes beating them, like a rented mule, 5-2 and 10-4.

Shout out to the Rake for bringing brawts for the boys! Always does a solid that Sparky 🙂

TUESDAY NIGHT HOCKEY

Let Rocky know if you are playing next week. Simple text or email will do it.

TOMCAT HOCKEY TOURNAMENT Saturday, APRIL 9, 2022

The draft order, the position of the teams and team colours were made last night at hockey,.

Order of Draft: First Pick, Big Ned (Green) , Second Pick, Shack (Red) Third Pick, Bullwinkle (White) and Fourth Pick, Lizard (Wearing Black)

Order of tournament

Team A : Bullwinkle

Team B : Big Ned

Team C : Shack

Team D : Lizard

THE PLAYERS

Captains

Shack Bullwinkle Big Ned, Lizard

Skaters

Animal Eagle Tweety Bird Stevo Soupy Rocky Lovie Mayday Killer Kamikaze Hatchie

Hurricane Skippy Junior Schooley La Bamba Snowpants Sunny Chevy

Sheepdog Kramden Matador Beep Tonto Cribzie Big Easy Tunzie

Goalies

Bender Falcon Chico 10Carat

“We have one spot open, we are going to reach out to the Anvil and see if he is able to play”, stated tournament organizer Kamikaze.

KAPUSTA GOLF OPEN

With things opening up more and more and more, (No masks mid March?) Turks tournament is being set for June 4. The Turk: “Very few details at this point except for it is going to happen and it is confirmed for June 4 and it will be a shotgun start beginning at 9:00 am. A lot will depend on the covid reopening. I will provide all interested Tomcats with information, once I know more.” It is a Forman scramble and is played at Ambassador golf course. It is a very good tournament, everyone gets a prize and the meal back at the Kapusta Kow is fantastic. Get a foursome together and get into the tournament.

SAD NEWS

A close friend of the Tomcat family, Mo of Mo and Jerry of Purples past away last week. She was an incredible woman and was always great to the Tomcats. Tomcats had many many ‘after tournament parties’ at Purples and they let us take over the bar. Mo cooked for us, she encouraged us and she loved us. God bless you Mo, Rest In Peace. You will be missed.

And while you are thinking what ever happened to Spinner, did he ever tell anyone he was not playing anymore, do you think I could put my Harry Ballsonue.

The Tomcats tried out a new, young netminder last night. “Our goalie ranks have been thinning a lot lately, we need some new blood between the pipes,” said Coach Sea Lion. The Tomcats welcomed 10Carat to the Kapusta.

The youngster did well in his debut, never an easy thing, quickly adjusting the speed, and the intricacies of the Kapusta floor. While the first game was a little rough, getting behind 10-3, the second game saw 10Carat lead his team to victory.

Teams:

Black Gold – 10Carat, Rocky, Kamikaze, The Rake, Shack, Jingles, Stevo and Sparky

White Diamonds – Bender, Cribzie, Killer, Skippy, Animal, Hurricane and Checy

Snowpants was a no show…not like him.

Shoutouts this week:

Stevo does a solid and orders pizza for the boys after hockey (Great job Sparky!)

Hollywood shows up for a visit and brings beer

Skippy brings out a case for the boys

Tomcat spirit is alive and well.

Let Rocky know by Friday if you are playing next week.

The Kapusta is no longer empty and quiet. After another COVID pause, the Tomcat season resumed. The hockey did not disappoint and very little rust shown after a month and a half layoff.

The Rocky Algorithm for picking teams was not leveraged, so we let the next best thing to AI pick the teams…Soupy! As stated by Sparky, “Soupy is AI as his intelligence is artificial.”

Teams:

Soupy Stars – Shack in net, Sparky, Soupy, Animal, Kamikaze, Noah and Snowpants

Tonto Tornadoes – Bender in net, Stevo, MayDay, Rocky, Tonto, Hurricane, Killer and Chevy

The Stars took both games and not surprising as the average age of that team was 15 years less than the Tornadoes. AI doesn’t always work.

The return of hockey also included return of great Tomcats doing great deeds and just being awesome to have around:

– Junior came out for a visit and brought beer. He also cleared the stage for the boys

– Sheepdog sent beer in with Stevo

– Sparky brought his beer in ahead of schedule

– Stevo set up the entire floor, while other Tomcats watched. Doesn’t he do enough already?

– Tonto paid the nightly fees for his entire team!

These Tomcats rock!

Next Week: Please come early and help set up. Don’t be a guy that just shows up an play. Be more like Stevo, Sunny, Snowpants. They are always working. We may want to make more room on stage so come and help move stuff up to the other room. Contribute.

Let Rocky know by Friday if you plan to play next week. A new, young goalie may make a debut as the Tomcats need to replenish at the goalie position.

Speaking of goalies:

– Shack made his season debut, played net and was on fire. Nice work Shack!

– Bender showed up with custom Tomcat goalie gear. See below. That is a true Tomcat!

Yes sir, we are staring back up! Next Tuesday, February 8th at 6:30pm sharp. If you haven’t done so yet, let Rocky know if you plan to be there. We still need to make sure we have enough goalies and players.

Vaccination proof still required for anyone who has not come out since the fall. See Rocky when you show up.

BEER – we will continue with the schedule as is. So check to see if this Tuesday was your night. We will adjust for the change in the Tournament schedule and have the lucky guys who missed their nights during this shutdown provide beer for the adjusted days and the actual tournament in April…all will work out in the end.

See everyone Tuesday night!

Tomcats Forever!